The 'Tifblue' Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei 'Tifblue') is arguably the most famous and widely planted Rabbiteye blueberry in history. Released by the University of Georgia in 1955, it became the industry standard due to its vigorous growth, massive yields, and cold hardiness compared to other Southern varieties. The 'Tifblue' Blueberry is a deciduous shrub that typically features dark green foliage that turns shades of red and orange in the fall, providing attractive autumn color. It produces clusters of white or pink flowers in spring, followed by medium to large-sized berries that ripen to a deep blue color in summer. The berries are known for their sweet flavor, making them excellent for fresh eating, baking, or preserving.

Plant Care & Characteristics

Light Requirements: Full Sun. Requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. While it can tolerate very light afternoon shade, the heaviest fruit sets occur in maximum sun.

Water Requirements: Moderate to High. Like all blueberries, 'Tifblue' has a shallow root system. It needs consistent moisture (1–2 inches per week), particularly when the berries are sizing up in mid-summer. Regular watering is important, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Drought Resistance: Moderate. It is considered one of the most drought-resistant Rabbiteye varieties once established, but it will still drop its fruit or produce small, "seedy" berries if left bone-dry during the summer.

Soil Type: Highly Acidic & Well-Drained. Requires a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. It is slightly more tolerant of varying soil types than other blueberries but still requires high organic matter (peat moss/pine bark) and excellent drainage. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, can improve soil acidity and fertility, promoting healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in spring can provide additional nutrients to support healthy growth and fruit production.

Deer Resistance: Low. Deer find the new shoots and ripening berries irresistible. Netting or fencing is usually necessary.

Pollination: It is not self-fertile. It requires a pollination partner that blooms at the same time. The best partners are 'Brightwell,' 'Powderblue,' or 'Premier'.

Harvest Timing: Mid-to-Late Season. Unlike 'Austin' or 'Climax' (which ripen early), 'Tifblue' usually ripens in late June through July.

Maintenance: Blueberry Tiff is a relatively low-maintenance shrub. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or crowded branches and helps promote fruit production by encouraging new growth.